Tamil Nadu: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipbuilding has launched Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) the future ICGS Vigraha (38) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on October 6.
ICGS Vigraha(38) is the 7tgh and last in the series of 7 OPVs after ICGS Vikram, ICGS Vijaya, ICGS Veera, ICGS Varaha, ICGS Varad, and ICGS Vajra (37), was launched on February 27, 2020. These OPVs have been indigenously designed & built by L&T shipbuilding limited launched at Kattupalli Defence Shipyard near Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu.
The Offshore Patrol Vessel is a highly versatile ship, designed to perform Economic Exclusion Zone management roles, including the provision of maritime security to coastal areas and effective disaster relief.
The 2,140-tonne vessels are approximate 97m long, 15m wide, and have a 3.6m draught. They can attain a sustained speed of up to 26 knots and have a range of 5,000 nautical miles.
The vessels are armed with a 30mm CRN 91 Naval Gun and two 12.7mm heavy machine guns (HMG) with a fire control system (FCS) and are built with an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) which enables special control capabilities generally integrated into larger warships like frigates and destroyers.
The vessels are fitted with front propulsion pods (bow thrusters) for providing an ability of high maneuverability. The entire design and construction process has been certified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) as well as Indian Registrar of Shipping (IRS) and was overseen by the Indian Coast Guard’s resident team at Kattupalli.
The vessel, with Yard no: 45007, was ceremoniously launched by Hema Somanathan, wife of Dr. TV Somanathan, IAS, Secretary (Expenditure) at Indian Ministry of Finance, in presence of Coast Guard Director General K Natarajan and officials from Central and Tamil Nadu State governments.
@IndiaCoastGuard OPV Vigraha launched by Mrs Hema Somanathan, wife of Dr TV Somanathan, IAS, Secy(Exp), MoF in presence of Director General K Natarajan #ICG & other dignitaries of Central & State Govt today at #L&T #Chennai pic.twitter.com/xi7MRM9qwh
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) October 6, 2020
